Associate Director, Global Innovation Marketing

Location: Chicago, IL — Chicago/Aon Center

New hire base salary: $164,200–$205,200 per year, plus eligibility for a performance-based bonus.

Company

Global food and consumer packaged goods company developing and launching products under the Heinz brand.

What you will do

• Lead multiple cross-functional Agile Pods through innovation opportunities from concept to launch.
• Define and maintain a strategic pipeline for priority innovation spaces, including investment choices and learning plans.
• Partner with Marketing, R&D, Insights, Sales, Finance, and Supply Chain on concept tests, prototypes, and in-market pilots.
• Build senior stakeholder alignment through clear options, trade-offs, and recommendations.
• Coach teams in test-and-learn methods, consumer-centric problem solving, and rapid iteration.
• Track learning milestones, launch readiness, and commercial success metrics.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA preferred.
• 8+ years of experience in marketing or innovation consulting.
• Deep expertise in functional innovation and experience leading cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated ability to develop talent, influence stakeholders, and operate comfortably with ambiguity.
• Financial acumen, including experience with P&L and business case development.
• Experience in CPG is a plus.

Culture & Benefits

• Flexible rewards and benefits programs supporting employees and their families.
• Healthcare coverage including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision plans.
• Paid time off, company holidays, leave programs, flexible work arrangements, and training.
• Employee assistance, wellbeing, and family support programs.
• 401(k), life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment, and disability benefits.